Call for water efficiency

ON WEDNESDAY, Toowoomba City Council invoked its next level of water restrictions ahead of the planned date because of falling dam levels. In the wake of the tougher measures, Carnival of Flowers WaterWise garden winners say it's timely to reflect on water-efficient gardening.

The winners were presented with their prizes yesterday, but gardeners growing annuals and exotic flowers might be surprised to learn the winners water their gardens as little as once a month.

First prize winner Cliff Coddington and second placegetter Rob Flint said they were successful combining native plants, mulching, and efficient watering.

"I haven't watered for eight months on the established plants," Mr Flint said.

"I've only just re-connected my water timer ready for the summer months and I'll probably only water it once a month in the summer."

Mr Coddington said gardeners were often unaware of the huge variety of native flowering plants. He said it required a change of mindset by people of European background to grow native plants evolved to Australia's dry climate.

He does not water his garden but has a water probe that goes down 225mm (nine inches) which supplies water to the plants' roots.

Mr Coddington won a Bushman's water tank for his efforts. Mr Flint's prize was to have been a drip irrigation system, but as he already had a system, he was given Bunnings Warehouse vouchers instead.

Third placegetters Alan and Mandy Gibson won a drip system from McCrackens Water Services.